Image of a Typhus flea.
Health officials are investigating an outbreak of flea-borne typhus in the Pico-Union neighborhood as cases continue to rise across Los Angeles County, urging residents to protect themselves and their pets from infected fleas
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said five symptomatic cases linked to the outbreak have been identified this year. All five people were hospitalized and have since recovered
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People are typically exposed to flea-borne typhus in and around their homes when infected fleas are brought indoors by pets or other animals, according to health officials.
In Los Angeles County, infected fleas are commonly found on rats, free-roaming cats and opossums
Symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, body aches, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after infection. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately
In 2025, Los Angeles County Public Health recorded 220 cases of flea-borne typhus, the highest number ever reported in the county. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 85
Health officials also expressed concern about the severity of recent infections, noting that nearly nine out of 10 people diagnosed with flea-borne typhus in 2025 required hospitalization
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“Community members can help protect themselves and their neighbors by keeping pets on flea control year-round, avoiding stray animals, and making sure wildlife cannot live in or around their homes,” said Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer
Public Health recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of infection:
- Use flea control products on your pets.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Avoid touching free-roaming animals.
- Keep your property clean, especially outdoor areas.
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